Tag: Superstition

The Old Magic of Walking in Circles

Clockwise or widdershins? Around wells, boats, fires and even the kitchen pot, direction once mattered. Follow the sun for luck and protection – or go the other way when you want to turn the world upside down…

Put It Back

Shoes in walls, witch bottles beneath floors, horse skulls under houses and dried cats hidden in ceilings. Our ancestors built protection into their homes – and when we find it centuries later, sometimes we still put it back.

The Old Magic Hiding in Your Clothes

Getting dressed was once riddled with magic. From inside-out clothes and lucky socks to dangerous buttons, troublesome stiles and the unforgivable crime of putting shoes on the table, some of the old rules are still hiding in our wardrobes.

A Penny For Luck

A penny in a new purse, silver for a baby, a coin for a gifted knife or hammered into a wishing tree. We still use money for luck in ways that have very little to do with buying anything.

Don’t Throw Yourself Away

How much old magic survives in the things we throw away? From lost teeth beneath pillows to hair and nail clippings, our discarded pieces once carried dangerous power…

When the Dead Don’t Stay Dead

There are few things that humanity has been quite so consistently afraid of as a dead person who refuses to behave like one.

The Folk Beyond the Hedgerows

Beyond the hedge lies another Britain. A land of fairy paths, hidden kingdoms and ancient warnings…

Sacred Paws and Second Chances

Cats have held a profound influence on human culture throughout history, symbolizing mystery, magic, and independence. Revered as divine protectors and associated with both good and evil forces, they have inspired rich mythology and superstitions worldwide. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and Japanese folklore, cats continue to captivate and mystify.

Walpurgisnacht

As April folds into May, the night of the 30th brings with it one of the most potent and curiously layered observances on the witch’s calendar…

Old Wives’ Tales – Nature’s Winter Weather Signals

Ah, winter in England – where rain’s got commitment issues and snow’s more elusive than a good Wi-Fi connection. As grandpas sniff for snow omens and cows lounge like royalty, we cling to old superstitions, hopeful. Will this be the year when snow finally shows up and not just a coy tease? Stay tuned!

Threefold Terror – The Power and Mystery of Things That Come in Threes

They say things come in threes. But in the paranormal world, that isn’t always a comfort. From three knocks on the wall to triple scratches on the skin, let’s explore the strange, spooky, and symbolic power of threes in folklore, hauntings, and high strangeness…

The Haunting Tradition of the Sin Eater

The Sin Eater, a mysterious figure in British folklore, took on the sins of the deceased through a ritual that allowed the soul to pass unburdened into the afterlife. This grim, outcast role came with a heavy cost, leaving the Sin Eater forever marked by the sins they absorbed.

Scottish Porridge – Folklore and Traditions

, the next time you sit down to a steaming bowl of porridge, take a moment to think about its rich history and the hands that stirred it before yours. Stir clockwise, add a pinch of salt, and savour not just the taste but the stories, superstitions, and spirit that make porridge a dish worthy of celebration.

The Legend of Typhoid Mary

To many, she became a kind of typhoid witch, spreading illness wherever she went, not through bacteria but through malevolent intent.

Exploring Folklore and Superstitions of the New Moon

In ancient agrarian societies, people believed that certain times of the lunar cycle could impact planting and harvesting, with the new moon being a good time to plant crops and start new ventures.

Superstitions and Legends of Farriers and Blacksmithing

The folklore and superstitions surrounding blacksmiths and farriers add depth to their already fascinating history. They were not just makers of tools but shapers of stories protectors of homes and sometimes even magicians in the eyes of their communities.

Hag Stones.

Hagstones invite us to imagine a world that is still mysterious, to believe that protection and vision might be carried in a simple stone.

Why Does the Sky Turn Red at Sunset?

But, as much as science can explain the colours we’re seeing, there’s something undeniably magical about a red sunset

Creepy or Lucky? Global Spider Beliefs Explored

Whether they’re spinning webs of wisdom wealth or warning it’s clear that spiders have captured our imaginations in ways that go far beyond the occasional scare.

Witch Bells

Witch bells are a captivating remnant of folklore and superstition, embodying centuries-old beliefs about magic, protection, and the supernatural. These small, often beautifully crafted bells […]

September.

In September, ancient traditions and celestial wonders collide, stirring reflections on the past and the mysteries of the changing seasons. Superstitions and folklore abound, and the harvest moon illuminates ancient rituals. This month, Mysterious Times brings new content and books to captivate and inspire, inviting us to embrace the magic of the season.

Frog Folklore Across Cultures -Omens and Protectors

Frogs have long held a special place in folklore, often seen as creatures of both wonder and superstition. Depending on where you are in the […]

Cornish Smuggling – From Rugged Coastline to Haunted Haunts

Cornwall, with its rugged coastline and numerous hidden coves, was an ideal setting for smuggling activities from the late 17th to the 19th century. The […]

The Mystical World of Knitting, Crochet, and Magic

Knitting and crochet, both intricate and meditative crafts, have fascinating connections to superstition, spellcasting, and folklore. These similarities lie not just in their physical processes […]